The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK is under the care of Bishop Missael. Background and Foundation In 1991 the first Coptic Orthodox Diocese to be established in the United Kingdom, and one of the first in the diaspora, was the Diocese of the Midlands, UK (although at the time known as the Diocese of Birmingham). Pope Shenouda III appointed Bishop Missael (who was at the time a General Bishop) to oversee this Diocese, which he has continued to do to this day. The Diocese is headquartered at St. Mary & St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham where the bishop also resides. The seal of the Diocese depicts a crucifix and fish based on the ancient 4th-5th century limestone Coptic engraving currently situated in the Louvre Museum, France. Regions in the United Kingdom that fall under the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, UK. are as follows: Cheshire Cumbria Derbyshire Gloucestershire Greater Manchester Herefordshire Lancashire Leicestershire Lincolnshire Merseyside Northamptonshire North Wales Nottinghamshire Oxfordshire Rutland Staffordshire Shropshire Warwickshire West Midlands Worcestershire Bishop Missael Before becoming Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Missael consecrated St. Mary & St. Antony's Coptic Church in 1985, and established the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Birmingham in 1989. These later formed part of the early Diocese. On 26 May 1991, Bishop Missael was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham, by Pope Shenouda III. In 2006, the Diocese was renamed "the Diocese of the Midlands" (in the United Kingdom). The Diocese was the first Diocese under the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate to be established in the United Kingdom and one of the first in all the lands of immigration (Europe, America, Australia). Following its establishment by Pope Shenouda III, the Diocese of Ireland, Scotland and North East England (Bishop Antony) was formed and Bishop Angaelos was ordained a general bishop over Stevenage in 1995 and 1999 respectively. Thus, Bishop Missael became the first permanent Coptic Orthodox bishop to serve the United Kingdom. Other Clergy the diocese has nine priests. In order of their appointment: Hegumen Fr. Youhanna (John) Hegumen Fr. Bishoy Hegumen Fr. Peter Hegumen Fr. John Hegumen Fr. Anthony Hegumen Fr. Hedra Fr. Peter Farrington Fr. George Fr. David In 2015, Bishop Missael appointed an Archdeacon in Birmingham to serve St. Mary & Archangel Michael's Cathedral. There are also three deacons ordained to assist the bishop and priests. Churches and Missions The Diocese has 8